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☼ RachelSusan: Zoloft - on, off and reinstated


RachelSusan

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  • Mentor

Frogie,

 

Wow, I am pleasantly surprised you stopped by to say hello. It means a lot to me.  I am doing OK. Just made another cut this morning.  You know how it is, with each cut comes some fear and then the reality is a little discomfort and then it all settles down again.

 

I don't know where you are in your move, I haven't been on this site lately, but I hope it is going smoothly.

 

xo

RS

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Moderator
1 hour ago, RachelSusan said:

Frogie,

 

Wow, I am pleasantly surprised you stopped by to say hello. It means a lot to me.  I am doing OK. Just made another cut this morning.  You know how it is, with each cut comes some fear and then the reality is a little discomfort and then it all settles down again.

 

I don't know where you are in your move, I haven't been on this site lately, but I hope it is going smoothly.

 

xo

RS

That’s great! Another cut. You will do fine. Might have your usual symptoms, but it will be nothing major. I’m doing a happy dance 💃 for you!

The packers come August 2nd and move us August 3rd. So, we are up here doing some last minute things, then the fun starts next week!

Good luck! 🎉🎉🎈🎈🎊🎊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 7/27/2019 at 12:31 PM, RachelSusan said:

Just made another cut this morning.  You know how it is, with each cut comes some fear and then the reality is a little discomfort and then it all settles down again.

 

how has it been since the cut? 

Currently taking Ramapril (blood pressure) 5 mg twice a day

Omeprazole 10 mg AM and 20 mg PM  (the taper has gone nowhere after the first cut)

Famotidine   once a day (and I still needs tums sometimes)

magnesium 200 mg at night

as of yesterday 2 fish oil capsules "EPA-DHA 1000"

 

off Lexapro as of 5/2018  - last dose had been 5 mg every other day for a couple years

 

highest dose had been 20 mg at which point I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, which went away when I cut the lexapro down to 15 mg. 

 

I spent years on Paxil before Lexapro (can't remember dose), briefly on Effexor and Abilify and others I have forgotten. in fact, when I was diagnoses with BPII I was put on all kinds of things which made me feel so bad I stopped them cold turkey within maybe 3 or 4 weeks, thank goodness. since then I've known these pills were terrible and I weaned down the Lexapro with zero help or support over I'm not sure how many years. 

 

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  • Mentor

Hi Jackie, Thanks for stopping by.  It was the usual. I did the cut, had a few days of minor symptoms and then they settled down.  I was very happy that this time it was only a few days. Sometimes the symptoms can stick around for a few weeks and be harsher.  But even when they do stick around a few weeks it is still much better than before I had any stability.  I am so grateful not to be going through torture any more. I think all of us on this site have either been there or are there now.

Warm wishes.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • 1 month later...

hi rs

hope all is well. just wanted to drop in and say congratulations on your taper.  it looks like you're on top of it.  keep kicking butt and we all look forward to your next update.

 

toodles!

38 year old male

50mg sertraline for seasonal affective in spring of '13 through spring of '16

began uninformed taper mid march '16 ending 6 weeks later around may 1st

withdrawal symptoms began july 4th '16

reinstatement of sertraline at 25mg on july 7th '16

august '16 - present: many setbacks even more victories

currently holding at 25mg and ill hold there forever if I have to

looking forward to the day I can begin tapering

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Any new update Rachel? You are awesome and have been so helpful to me! Hope to someday get to where you are.

April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs).

April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to...

June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs

August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety

November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly.

New Doctor reinstated:

May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa 

 

 

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  • Mentor

Hi Legend,

 

Thank you for the post.  I just wrote on your thread regarding the possible double dosing.  You will be alright.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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Hi Rachel,

 

As a follow-up to our earlier conversation about insomnia, did you experience your bad insomnia during your bad wave, or during your C/T? How long did the bad sleep pattern last? If it was during your wave, had it resolved to normal sleep by the end of your 90-day wave, or did you proceed with your taper before the sleep improved? I've decided not to resume my taper until my sleep is somewhat normal for 2-3 months. I'm hoping it's just a matter of waiting out the storm, that the sleep will right itself with time. There's only so long you can get by with fractured sleep, but at this point it's too late for me to updose really.

 

Warmly,

Erin

Erin's Intro Topic

 

Started on 2mg Ativan and 20mg Paxil in Sept. 2016 for severe postpartum insomnia. Tapered down to 1mg Ativan then CT'd from the rest in Jan. 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Tapered off Paxil over four weeks in January-February 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Reinstated 1mg Ativan in Feb. 2017 and started 5mg Lexapro March 29, 2017 to counter WD insomnia (increased to 10mg May 3). Went off Lexapro and successfully reinstated to 20mg Paxil on June 6, 2017. Successfully tapered off Ativan between April 2017 - May 2018. Waited a month then began Paxil taper in June 2018. Trialed Seroquel, Ativan, Doxepin, and Zyprexa at a crisis stabilization unit from 10/23/19-10/30/19 due to severe insomnia. Using Zyprexa 5mg and Vistaril 25-50mg as needed for sleep in November (juggling sleep aids to avoid dependency while waiting for sleep to resolve).

 

Paxil taper: 18mg 6/8/18; 16.2mg 7/6/18; 14.6mg 8/3/18; 13.1mg 8/31/18; 11.8mg 9/28; 10.6mg 11/23/18; 9.5mg 12/21/18; 8.55mg 1/18/19; 7.69mg 3/1/19; 6.92mg 3/29/19; 6.23mg 4/26/19; 5.61mg 6/7/19; 5.05mg 7/5/19 (severe WD symptoms all of a sudden); updosed to 5.25mg 10/27/19; updosed to 5.5mg 11/8/19 and holding.

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil, Turmeric Curcumin, Nac, Crave Arrest, Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes, Vitamin C, Walsh Protocol, Vitamin D-3, Niacinate, Evening Primrose Oil, Rhodiola, Stress B Complex, SAM-e, TMG, Pantothenic Acid, L-Tryptophan, Calcium, Melatonin (1.5 mg sublingual), Eden amino acids for sleep support

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  • Mentor

Hi Erin,

 

I had bad insomnia during both the CT and the wave, however the 3 days without sleep was during my original CT.  The insomnia during the bad wave was similar but I think I was able to nap a little more during the day so I wasn't quite so out of. I think the over all bad sleep pattern took slightly over 3 months, both times, to resolve.

 

No I didn't taper while having insomnia.  Well that is not 100% accurate.  There was an early taper period that a doctor I had at the time pushed me though.  He had me taper while symptoms were very high which ended up leading to an up-dose. Now that I am in control of my medical choices I choose not to taper while I have any symptoms. I know other people on this site will taper while symptomatic and they have their reasons for doing so. I just found that for me it's best not to taper while I have symptoms, even the very mild ones.  I am afraid if I do that there will be a cumulative effect from all the tapers that will put me into a big fat ugly wave.

 

It really sounds to me like you are on the right track.  You mentioned that you are already showing improvemet. I wish I could give you a solid timeline to use however all our bodies are different and our situations are different. I think you will be glad in a few months, or sooner, that you are not making any changes, either up-dosing or tapering.

 

Warm wishes.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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Thanks for sharing your experience, Rachel. So by the time the bad sleep resolved, you were back to 7-8 hours of normal sleep? Or did that take a little longer?

 

I thought I was improving, but the last few days have seen some setbacks. In particular last night was rough - I was up most of the night with muscle aches, hot sweats, and diarrhea. I feel like I've been run over by a truck this morning. It seems symptoms from earlier in the wave that I thought had resolved have come back again this week with a vengeance. I took heart, though, by noticing that something similar happened to you two months into your wave. You thought you were coming out of it when suddenly you got severe symptoms that then took a few more weeks to resolve.

 

I'm more of a sprinter by nature, but this wave feels like running a marathon!! Hoping I can work in a nap later today. I agree with you about not tapering while symptomatic. I will be the same way once I resume tapering.

 

I just worry sometimes that my taper was so fast (unknowingly) that it will take me a few more months to stabilize. I'm already 14 weeks past my last cut and almost 10 weeks into the symptoms. Could you take a look at my signature and note my taper schedule since June 2018? Does that look like an excessively hasty taper, or just one perhaps done a little too quickly over the last few months?

 

Thank you!!

 

Erin's Intro Topic

 

Started on 2mg Ativan and 20mg Paxil in Sept. 2016 for severe postpartum insomnia. Tapered down to 1mg Ativan then CT'd from the rest in Jan. 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Tapered off Paxil over four weeks in January-February 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Reinstated 1mg Ativan in Feb. 2017 and started 5mg Lexapro March 29, 2017 to counter WD insomnia (increased to 10mg May 3). Went off Lexapro and successfully reinstated to 20mg Paxil on June 6, 2017. Successfully tapered off Ativan between April 2017 - May 2018. Waited a month then began Paxil taper in June 2018. Trialed Seroquel, Ativan, Doxepin, and Zyprexa at a crisis stabilization unit from 10/23/19-10/30/19 due to severe insomnia. Using Zyprexa 5mg and Vistaril 25-50mg as needed for sleep in November (juggling sleep aids to avoid dependency while waiting for sleep to resolve).

 

Paxil taper: 18mg 6/8/18; 16.2mg 7/6/18; 14.6mg 8/3/18; 13.1mg 8/31/18; 11.8mg 9/28; 10.6mg 11/23/18; 9.5mg 12/21/18; 8.55mg 1/18/19; 7.69mg 3/1/19; 6.92mg 3/29/19; 6.23mg 4/26/19; 5.61mg 6/7/19; 5.05mg 7/5/19 (severe WD symptoms all of a sudden); updosed to 5.25mg 10/27/19; updosed to 5.5mg 11/8/19 and holding.

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil, Turmeric Curcumin, Nac, Crave Arrest, Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes, Vitamin C, Walsh Protocol, Vitamin D-3, Niacinate, Evening Primrose Oil, Rhodiola, Stress B Complex, SAM-e, TMG, Pantothenic Acid, L-Tryptophan, Calcium, Melatonin (1.5 mg sublingual), Eden amino acids for sleep support

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  • Mentor

@embd

Hi Erin,

 

I don't remember exactly at which point I reached the full 7 to 8 hours of sleep, but I did reach it. It was one of those things that gradually got better over time.

 

I'm a really sorry to read that you got hit with another bad wave. I have had all the symptoms that you mentioned and I do know how brutal they can be. Right now the best you can do is just get through each day, but be sure to bear in mind that with time it will improve. The ups and downs can be very difficult emotionally though. I know they were really hard on me. 

 

I looked at your taper schedule since June 2018 and it looks like all your cuts were at 10%. It appears that you tapered exactly as recommended. While 10% is the suggested rate perhaps it is just a little too fast for your body?  You also had some other medications that you were taking in 2016 and 2017 and I am wondering if those changes might have impacted your taper in spring of 2018? Have any mods offered their thoughts on this? 'm  currently doing around 5% having found that anything over that is just too much for me.

 

Erin, I sounds like you have been going through some really tough times since August. Having gone through it I know how very difficult it can be to be hurting for so long.   I can't offer any advice since it's clear you have read a lot, have the same knowledge base that I have, and you have a very good handle on what's going on with you. I can only offer you my empathy.  I know how painful this is. I hope that you see improvement quickly.  Hang in there my friend. Better days are ahead.

 

Warm wishes.

 

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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Thank you, Rachel! Empathy from someone who has been there and is now stable is a precious gift. I do check every painful day off of a mental calendar, saying it brings me one day closer to resolution, but each day is like climbing a mountain. I find that my best sleep is usually my afternoon naps (today I got a refreshing 2.5 hour nap) and then anything I can manage to work in after 6am, so I'm only half-jokingly wondering if I should change my sleep schedule for the time being and try to sleep more during the day, since the cortisol and other hormones don't seem to be as interruptive to sleep at that point. Ah well, time and patience are the answer. Thank you for your reassurance, my friend.

Erin's Intro Topic

 

Started on 2mg Ativan and 20mg Paxil in Sept. 2016 for severe postpartum insomnia. Tapered down to 1mg Ativan then CT'd from the rest in Jan. 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Tapered off Paxil over four weeks in January-February 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Reinstated 1mg Ativan in Feb. 2017 and started 5mg Lexapro March 29, 2017 to counter WD insomnia (increased to 10mg May 3). Went off Lexapro and successfully reinstated to 20mg Paxil on June 6, 2017. Successfully tapered off Ativan between April 2017 - May 2018. Waited a month then began Paxil taper in June 2018. Trialed Seroquel, Ativan, Doxepin, and Zyprexa at a crisis stabilization unit from 10/23/19-10/30/19 due to severe insomnia. Using Zyprexa 5mg and Vistaril 25-50mg as needed for sleep in November (juggling sleep aids to avoid dependency while waiting for sleep to resolve).

 

Paxil taper: 18mg 6/8/18; 16.2mg 7/6/18; 14.6mg 8/3/18; 13.1mg 8/31/18; 11.8mg 9/28; 10.6mg 11/23/18; 9.5mg 12/21/18; 8.55mg 1/18/19; 7.69mg 3/1/19; 6.92mg 3/29/19; 6.23mg 4/26/19; 5.61mg 6/7/19; 5.05mg 7/5/19 (severe WD symptoms all of a sudden); updosed to 5.25mg 10/27/19; updosed to 5.5mg 11/8/19 and holding.

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil, Turmeric Curcumin, Nac, Crave Arrest, Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes, Vitamin C, Walsh Protocol, Vitamin D-3, Niacinate, Evening Primrose Oil, Rhodiola, Stress B Complex, SAM-e, TMG, Pantothenic Acid, L-Tryptophan, Calcium, Melatonin (1.5 mg sublingual), Eden amino acids for sleep support

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Good morning, RS! I hope you had a peaceful sleep. :) I had a question about the burning skin issue you experienced during your wave (and still have from time to time). I'm wondering if it's similar to what I've been experiencing in my legs. I think it's nerve pain, and it really only started bothering me about three weeks ago. I haven't had it at any point in my taper before now. When you say burning skin, was it a literal feeling of a burn on the surface of the skin? Mine isn't on the skin itself, but deeper in my legs - yet it doesn't feel like the muscles, but rather nerves. Also, was yours all over your body? Mine is only on my legs and soles of my feet. Did yours interfere with sleep? Mine wakes me up often.

 

I haven't read anybody else's thread yet who has had this symptom, so I wasn't sure who to ask. Walking and stretching seems to help a bit, but then it comes back. Some days it's worse than others. It's worst in the middle of the night. I'm wondering if it resolves over time or if it's something that will be with me now.

 

Thank you!! 

Erin's Intro Topic

 

Started on 2mg Ativan and 20mg Paxil in Sept. 2016 for severe postpartum insomnia. Tapered down to 1mg Ativan then CT'd from the rest in Jan. 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Tapered off Paxil over four weeks in January-February 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Reinstated 1mg Ativan in Feb. 2017 and started 5mg Lexapro March 29, 2017 to counter WD insomnia (increased to 10mg May 3). Went off Lexapro and successfully reinstated to 20mg Paxil on June 6, 2017. Successfully tapered off Ativan between April 2017 - May 2018. Waited a month then began Paxil taper in June 2018. Trialed Seroquel, Ativan, Doxepin, and Zyprexa at a crisis stabilization unit from 10/23/19-10/30/19 due to severe insomnia. Using Zyprexa 5mg and Vistaril 25-50mg as needed for sleep in November (juggling sleep aids to avoid dependency while waiting for sleep to resolve).

 

Paxil taper: 18mg 6/8/18; 16.2mg 7/6/18; 14.6mg 8/3/18; 13.1mg 8/31/18; 11.8mg 9/28; 10.6mg 11/23/18; 9.5mg 12/21/18; 8.55mg 1/18/19; 7.69mg 3/1/19; 6.92mg 3/29/19; 6.23mg 4/26/19; 5.61mg 6/7/19; 5.05mg 7/5/19 (severe WD symptoms all of a sudden); updosed to 5.25mg 10/27/19; updosed to 5.5mg 11/8/19 and holding.

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil, Turmeric Curcumin, Nac, Crave Arrest, Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes, Vitamin C, Walsh Protocol, Vitamin D-3, Niacinate, Evening Primrose Oil, Rhodiola, Stress B Complex, SAM-e, TMG, Pantothenic Acid, L-Tryptophan, Calcium, Melatonin (1.5 mg sublingual), Eden amino acids for sleep support

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  • Mentor

Hi @RachelSusan: thinking of you! How is it going on the Tapering Trail?

  • Prozac | late 2004-mid-2005 | CT WD in a couple months, mostly emotional
  • Sertraline 50-100mg | 11/2011-3/2014, 10/2014-3/2017
  • Sertraline fast taper March 2017, 4 weeks, OFF sertraline April 1, 2017
  • Quit alcohol May 20, 2017
  • Lifestyle changes: AA, kundalini yoga

 

"If you've seen a monster, even if it's horrible, that's evidence of divinity." – Damien Echols

 

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  • Mentor

@FarmGirlWorks

 

Hi FGW,

 

It's really great to hear from you.  Thanks for stopping by.

 

You always make me laugh; here is why this time.  You ask me how it's going on the "taper trail".  I pictured myself on top of an old worn out donkey, I am wearing faded overalls and I'm chewing on a piece of straw, beat-up hat on my head.  The road is bumpy but this old donkey I am on top of is slowly picking it's way through the rough trail. "Get Along Little Doggies", an old cowboy classic is playing in the background. It made me laugh.  But to answer your question, well I am slowly bumping along the trail.  I'm very very very slowly getting there.

 

And you?  How is it going with Bio Dad?  What about the art world?  Have you created any new pieces lately?  Are you thinking about any new pieces?  See how I did that?  Creating pieces and thinking about pieces are two different things, but both are very valuable. How are you feeling over all?

 

Thanks again for stopping by.

RS

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Mentor

@embd

 

I hope you are feeling ok this afternoon.  Perhaps getting one of your power naps in?  In answer to your question, my burning skin is very much on top of the skin.  It feels like I've got a really bad sun burn on the skin. I have it on the front of both of my legs and occasionally my right arm.  I don't know why my left arm gets left out, but it does.  My left arm feels rather ignored and slighted and I keep telling it that it doesn't want to have what the other limbs have but it never listens to me. The pain has been so bad that it has woken me up many times.  I have read about my symptoms before here on this website.  Yours does sound different than mine so I'm not sure how much of my experience, if any, will be helpful to you.  The good news about withdrawal is that the symptoms are always changing and hopefully will eventually goes away.  I hope you reach stability quickly. It does indeed sound to me like you are improving. Hang in there.

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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@RachelSusan

 

Yes, you're right - your burning skin is different than what I've been experiencing. It's amazing to me how many different ways WD can manifest itself in our bodies, varying by the individual. Too funny about your left arm! :) You do have to maintain a sense of humor about the ridiculousness of what we're going through.

 

Yes, I was taking a power nap yesterday followed by a walk. :) Since I'd been sleeping a little better this week, I've been trying to walk for at least half an hour a day, to see if it helps the leg cramps. I think it has been - but then out of the blue again, last night the insomnia returned. I was alert as could be until around 4:30, then dozed fitfully for three hours. Even the WD insomnia refuses to have a pattern of any sort! There was no reason to be awake - my legs weren't actually hurting in bed for once, no hot flashes, no other troublesome symptoms. Just complete alertness -  it must have been cortisol. I'm still wide awake now mid-morning, so not sure I'll be able to nap this afternoon and I have no idea what I'll be like tonight. It amazes me how much the symptoms can change day to day, especially in waves. I can't wait to reach stabilization! 15 weeks since my last cut now, and almost 10 weeks since symptoms began...but who's counting. ;) 

Erin's Intro Topic

 

Started on 2mg Ativan and 20mg Paxil in Sept. 2016 for severe postpartum insomnia. Tapered down to 1mg Ativan then CT'd from the rest in Jan. 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Tapered off Paxil over four weeks in January-February 2017 per doctor's recommendation. Reinstated 1mg Ativan in Feb. 2017 and started 5mg Lexapro March 29, 2017 to counter WD insomnia (increased to 10mg May 3). Went off Lexapro and successfully reinstated to 20mg Paxil on June 6, 2017. Successfully tapered off Ativan between April 2017 - May 2018. Waited a month then began Paxil taper in June 2018. Trialed Seroquel, Ativan, Doxepin, and Zyprexa at a crisis stabilization unit from 10/23/19-10/30/19 due to severe insomnia. Using Zyprexa 5mg and Vistaril 25-50mg as needed for sleep in November (juggling sleep aids to avoid dependency while waiting for sleep to resolve).

 

Paxil taper: 18mg 6/8/18; 16.2mg 7/6/18; 14.6mg 8/3/18; 13.1mg 8/31/18; 11.8mg 9/28; 10.6mg 11/23/18; 9.5mg 12/21/18; 8.55mg 1/18/19; 7.69mg 3/1/19; 6.92mg 3/29/19; 6.23mg 4/26/19; 5.61mg 6/7/19; 5.05mg 7/5/19 (severe WD symptoms all of a sudden); updosed to 5.25mg 10/27/19; updosed to 5.5mg 11/8/19 and holding.

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil, Turmeric Curcumin, Nac, Crave Arrest, Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes, Vitamin C, Walsh Protocol, Vitamin D-3, Niacinate, Evening Primrose Oil, Rhodiola, Stress B Complex, SAM-e, TMG, Pantothenic Acid, L-Tryptophan, Calcium, Melatonin (1.5 mg sublingual), Eden amino acids for sleep support

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  • Mentor

Hi @embd

 

i tapered off 25mg Zoloft over 1 month in October 2018. I felt amazing for 1 week then the WD started. Symptoms were clicking and feeling like nettles in my head, tinnitus, eyelid twitch, stiff tongue and insomnia, typically 1-2 nights a week. 1 year on things are much better. The twitch and stiff tongue have pretty much gone and insomnia is 1-2x per month. 

 

My Insomnia is usually like a morning cortisol rush which stops me sleeping My advice is to get out of bed after an hour or two and read a kindle and have a warm milk. Stroking a cat helps. Accept it’s just part of the journey. Once back in bed I usually find the head buzz eases off between 1 and 3 and I can get 4-5hours sleep in. 

 

Keep a regular sleep pattern instead of day napping if possible. I do lots of counting in bed too. 

 

You’ll get there. 

Edited by Sassenach
incorrect address

50 mg Sertraline Nov 2016 to Dec 2016

100 mg Sertraline Jan - March 2017

50 mg Sertraline April - June 2017

25 mg Sertraline July 2017 - Sept 2018

12.5 mg Sertraline Oct 2018

0 mg Nov 1 2018

Link to comment

Hi RachelSusan, it has been a long time since I checked in but I've been following your story and wishing you the best. You and I originally started on something of the same schedule to taper sertaline. I have found that each month's 10% cut does not worsen my ongoing, tolerable symptoms from a previous too-fast taper. So I've been able to steadily cut by 10% each month and only have a year or so to go. I hope your taper continues steadily without too many bad symptoms each month.

 

This past year after a lot of drama and tests and procedures I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis of the lungs and some other places. The mainstream line of treatment for that, if it progresses to a certain point, is prednisone. I'm planning to decline/postpone prednisone for a number of reasons, including my recollection that you (or was it someone else?) had a bump in the road on your taper due to a steroid.

 

I have started researching low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for autoimmune disease and it looks very promising and not addictive. And, on this forum, I read that some folks find it useful to ease symptoms as they taper. If I try it I will report.

 

In the meantime, I find that my mega-dosing vitamin C (6,000 mg spread throughout the day) significantly helps my symptoms. Every now and then I'll have a bad day, which reminds me of how much better most of my days are than when I did my too-fast taper. 

---

Lorazepam: (2014-15 1-1.5 mg lorazepam [aka Ativan] at night; 2016 to Nov 2018: 0.75 mg lorazepam at night; Dec 2018: divide dose into 3x a day. Jan 2019: taper 5% every 15 days; Held 9/2019 - 2/2020 at 0.35 mg). March 2020 started 2.5% taper every 15 days. Nov 2020 tapering 5% every 15 days. Dose divided into 2x a day. Now at 0.008 mg March 2023. Sertraline:  Jan 2017 25 mg: began 10% per month taper. Went on "exit strategy" at 0.084 mg Nov 2020 for 8 weeks, 0.042 for 4 weeks, 0.028 for 2 weeks starting 2/25/21, then 0.014 for 2 weeks, then .007 for a while, Done May 4, 2021. Unfortunately due to circumstances I restarted at 25 mg January 2022. New taper began January 2023. 

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  • Mentor
On 10/16/2019 at 2:33 PM, RachelSusan said:

"Get Along Little Doggies",

When I was little and herding cows on the dairy farm I grew up on, I used to sing "Get Along Lil' Cow Doggies, Get Along..." on their trails to the milking parlor.

 

On 10/16/2019 at 2:33 PM, RachelSusan said:

And you?  How is it going with Bio Dad?  What about the art world?  Have you created any new pieces lately?  Are you thinking about any new pieces?  See how I did that?  Creating pieces and thinking about pieces are two different things, but both are very valuable. How are you feeling over all?

And you are tricky, @RachelSusan. No, I have not made any new pieces of art but have been able to think different thoughts in the last few weeks. More imaginative, more hopeful, less ruminating and spiraling down. Have been sleeping more (8+ hours) which is not great but maybe I need it. Thankfully, unlike many folks here, lack of sleep was never a big problem. As for art, re-thinking my relationship to it... as far as bio-dad: what a wild ride, still. We are (knock on wood) going to Germany/Poland/Venice for 21 days leaving next Wednesday. He has had some health issues (hip/knee) and this trip has been on-again-off-again... so until I see the whites of his eyeballs I will not believe it. In the meantime, with a week to go, I have to act like it is happening and that is crazy busy, happy yet stressful.

 

Thanks for asking: I am feeling definitely different. And given the hell that WD is, this different is better. Still stressed but slightly more resilient.

Edited by FarmGirlWorks
  • Prozac | late 2004-mid-2005 | CT WD in a couple months, mostly emotional
  • Sertraline 50-100mg | 11/2011-3/2014, 10/2014-3/2017
  • Sertraline fast taper March 2017, 4 weeks, OFF sertraline April 1, 2017
  • Quit alcohol May 20, 2017
  • Lifestyle changes: AA, kundalini yoga

 

"If you've seen a monster, even if it's horrible, that's evidence of divinity." – Damien Echols

 

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  • Mentor

@Tattycorum

 

What a pleasant surprise to hear from you.  Yes I was the one that had the problem with Prednisone and tapering.  It's no longer a problem even though I am still on it.  For one, I am not on such a high dose and additionally it's not new to my body. It took me a while to get used to it though.

 

I am very sorry to read you have Sarcoidosis. You mentioned having it in your lungs as well as other places.  Is shortness of breath currently an issue?

 

I too have fairly good days with the withdrawal symptoms. I am mostly stable with an occasional bad few days after a taper but it certainly is something I can live with. I figure I have about two years to go until I finish tapering because I am having to taper in such smaller increments.  You however are doing great. I just looked at your signature and .86 mg is so fantastic. I am so happy for you. Doesn't it feel wonderful to be getting off of it?

 

I still follow you so anything you post I should continue to see.

 

Tattycorum, thanks again for checking in, it really means a lot to me.

 

Warm wishes,

Rachel

 

 

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Mentor

@FarmGirlWorks

Hi FGW,

 

Keep thinking about your art.  Sometimes it might take a while for things to swirl around in the brain before it actually is produced as art. Thinking is the precursor to doing.  Then when you are ready, and only when you are ready, you will produce something.

 

Feeling different? Interesting.  Different seems to be a very neutral word, at least to me. I hope that different slants at least a little to the positive side of things.  If not than maybe it is a catalyst that will eventually lead to positive?

 

I hope the trip happens for you.  If we don't hear from you for a while we will know you are gallivanting the world. Have fun.

 

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Mentor
On 10/23/2019 at 7:35 AM, RachelSusan said:

I hope the trip happens for you.  If we don't hear from you for a while we will know you are gallivanting the world.

Indeed, it is going to happen. I believe it now. He is def coming on Monday (first relative to EVER visit me in 30 years living here) and then we will be in Munich by Thursday night. I'm madly trying to get all my tech on an iPad as we agreed to just do a carry-on and the European standard dimensions for these fit what looks to be a pair of socks. And, of course, every client now absolutely needs to have their web site done right away. Unlike how I would have handled this even six months ago, I am impressed by my thoughts and attitude. Different is better and I don't want to anger the WD gods by saying I feel out of the woods (waiting for December to see if it is for real) but my experience of being alive (not my situation per se) is better.  Thanks for the sweet thoughts and hope you're feeling better and better each day. Or week. Or whatever with this crazy WD crap.

Edited by FarmGirlWorks
  • Prozac | late 2004-mid-2005 | CT WD in a couple months, mostly emotional
  • Sertraline 50-100mg | 11/2011-3/2014, 10/2014-3/2017
  • Sertraline fast taper March 2017, 4 weeks, OFF sertraline April 1, 2017
  • Quit alcohol May 20, 2017
  • Lifestyle changes: AA, kundalini yoga

 

"If you've seen a monster, even if it's horrible, that's evidence of divinity." – Damien Echols

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi RS

 

I'm new to this site - I just joined last week to try to help my 19 year old daughter who is having withdrawal issues from Zoloft that started 3 months after she stopped taking it after a 6-week "taper" this past summer.  Thanks to this website we reinstated her last week at 1mg and she's doing a lot better already and I'm feeling more hopeful about her long term progress.  It horrifies me that such a sweet, sensitive, young, kind, smart woman has to go through this when she should be enjoying her first semester of college, dating, going out with friends, etc.

 

I have spent the past 7 days barely sleeping, trying to learn as much as I can from all of your experiences to have the best chance to save my daughter's quality of life.   I read your entire story, and I want you to know how much your vulnerability in sharing it with us has impacted me.  I have learned so much about the importance of SLOW tapering from watching your journey.   I know it's going to be a loooooong slow painful journey for her, once we eventually get her stabilized and start the taper journey, but I see where you are today and I feel hopeful.

 

 I just wanted you to know that, and to thank you.  I'll be continuing to follow your journey.

xoxo

(my daughter: 23yrs old)  

1.  Sertraline: 2010 - 2019: varying doses from 50-150mg.  2019: July 1 - Aug 10 6-week taper from 50 to 0mg, Nov 6: begin severe PAWS, Nov 10: Reinstate 1mg. Held for 1.5 yrs.  2021: Mar 5 Began slow taper 1% per month. 3/31/24: .664mg

2.  Baclofen 20mg: Begin May 2017

3. Amitriptyline 25mg: Begin May 2017

     2020: Apr 20: started 2%/month taper. 4/30/23: 10mg. Will hold at 10mg until complete other tapers.

4.  Noscapine 200mg: Begin Oct 2018   2020 Apr 20: reduce to 150mg, had withdrawal symptoms. Aug 2 began 3.5%/month taper. 3/31/24: 20mg

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  • Mentor

@Gertie

 

Hi Gertie,

 

Thank you for stopping by.  It's always pleasant for me to have nice company plus I like the idea that I might be helping someone else who is in distress.  When I first started posting it was primarily for me but also in the back of my mind was the hope that I could help someone else. I never wanted anyone to go through what I was going through at that time.

 

This withdrawal is a very ugly and painful thing indeed. I went to your thread and read what your daughter is going through.  It must just kill you as a parent to watch her suffer.  It does sound like you are doing everything humanly possible to help her and it does sound like she is improving.  I did however wanted to offer up some good news in this entire ugly mess.  You mentioned in your post to me that you know it will be a long slow painful journey. You are 100% correct about it being long.  However, now is the good part, one she reaches stabilization it doesn't have to be painful. I have been tapering over two years now but by going slowly it has eliminated the painful part.  It totally works in the background of my life. Once in a great while, about 10 days after some of the tapers, I might have a few days of very light symptoms. When I say light I mean nothing worse than an off day where I don't feel quite right.  We all have those, even people that aren't going through withdrawal.  So reassure yourself and your daughter that she is not looking at years of h*ll.  But I get ahead of myself, for now you and your daughter are probably just wanting to focus on her stabilizing, which it looks like she is doing. You should indeed be very hopeful about her long term progress. In fact I would say you should believe that her long term process will be a complete success.

 

You are in great hands here. This group is amazing. The mods really understand these medications. If you ever need personal support for yourself or have questions about the symptoms your daughter is experiencing please come back here to my thread, I am here to answer questions about my experience and maybe that will be of some help to you.

 

All my best to you Gertie.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • 1 month later...

Hi Rachel.  

Just came by to say "hi" -- we have been both been tapering Zoloft for some time now, and I am a bit behind you...  at 6 mg now as of the beginning of January.  
Best wishes for you for 2020!
Madeleine

200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021;  Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg
Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg

-------
Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. 
Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18;  May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg

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  • Mentor

@Madeleine

 

Hi Madeline, thanks for stopping by.  It's always nice to have company.  I answered you on your thread because I wanted to go over there and read a little about your history.

 

Hi all,

 

Well I finally got down to below 2 mg of Zoloft.  1.875 mg to be exact.  I have been at this tapering thing since the summer of 2016.  Don't let me frighten you if you are comparing us.  I did everything wrong and it took me forever to stabilize.   The good news is that once I did stabilize and started following the suggestions for tapering given on this website things started to go much better.  The tapering now runs in the background of my life.  I might get a few symptoms each time I taper but they are very mild and don't last long.  Don't give up hope.  I was highly symptomatic and now I am feeling pretty darn good.  In other words each day was h@ll, and now it's not. Please don't give up on yourself. You can and will recover.  Happy 2020 to everybody.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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Hi RS,

You had mentioned in November that you would be willing to answer any questions for me.  I hope you don't mind if I take you up on that?

My daughter is still on 1mg sertraline, and I'm considering switching her to the liquid because I'm having a hard time finding her brand of generic pills and i"m worried about switching them up every time I need a new Rx.

My questions to you are:

1.  are you on a generic brand of the liquid or on Zoloft brand?

2.  if generic, have you had issues keeping the same brand each refill?

3.  Do you mix a small batch to be used for several days, or do you have to make your dose fresh each day?  

(Right now I dilute a 25mg pill with 25mL water, then pull 1ml into 4 separate syringes to stick in the fridge over the next 4 days, so if i'm not home she can just grab a syringe from the fridge, or if she has class she can take one in a little cooler to school, etc.  I read that the liquid should not be mixed with water, etc in advance, but I'm nervous about having to make it fresh daily in case one of us isn't home at the right time). 

 

Thank you for your help!  And happy to see you are continuing to do well with your taper!

 

(my daughter: 23yrs old)  

1.  Sertraline: 2010 - 2019: varying doses from 50-150mg.  2019: July 1 - Aug 10 6-week taper from 50 to 0mg, Nov 6: begin severe PAWS, Nov 10: Reinstate 1mg. Held for 1.5 yrs.  2021: Mar 5 Began slow taper 1% per month. 3/31/24: .664mg

2.  Baclofen 20mg: Begin May 2017

3. Amitriptyline 25mg: Begin May 2017

     2020: Apr 20: started 2%/month taper. 4/30/23: 10mg. Will hold at 10mg until complete other tapers.

4.  Noscapine 200mg: Begin Oct 2018   2020 Apr 20: reduce to 150mg, had withdrawal symptoms. Aug 2 began 3.5%/month taper. 3/31/24: 20mg

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  • Mentor

@Gertie

 

Oh my gosh Gertie, I am so sorry that I didn't get back to you sooner.  I just now saw your note.  I hate to make people wait when they are going through WD.  So let's jump right in, shall we?

 

I am on Greenstone Brand. See attached image.  I have not had any problems keeping the prescription filled. I have also learned to stockpile some in case there is a problem. I order the minute my insurance allows me to and I have managed to get ahead of it. But I also watch the expiration date on the box.

 

The doctor came up with a formula for me and it results in about 4 days worth.  I keep it in a small glass container at room temperature in a medicine cabinet so no sunlight gets to it. My room temperature is low, 64 degrees. As I continue to go down on the dosage I will end up with more than 4 days worth. I probably will have the doctor assist me with coming up with a new formula that makes less.  I don't think I would want to store more than 4 days worth. I don't know how I came up with that amount, I just did. So far no problems.

 

I totally understand about being nervous about making it fresh each day.

 

I hope your daughter is doing OK.  Tapering is so precarious.  It's a hard thing to get through, but we can do it.

AIMG_2989.jpg

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • 1 month later...
  • Mentor

I just did another taper today.  I had to give five weeks between my tapers this time because I was a little symptomatic.  Other than that all is good.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Moderator
7 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

I just did another taper today.  I had to give five weeks between my tapers this time because I was a little symptomatic.  Other than that all is good.

You are doing wonderful!

 

Not much longer and you’ll be done with the Zoloft.😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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18 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

I just did another taper today.  I had to give five weeks between my tapers this time because I was a little symptomatic.  Other than that all is good.

You are doing so well.  Doesn't it feel good just to see those numbers getting smaller and smaller?  I am so looking forward to finally being able to say "I'm done with sertraline".  I will still have to taper alprazolam, but at least I'll be halfway to my goal. 

 

Take care,

Terry

2007 - 2008          Paxil and Klonopin

2008 - 2012           Mirtazapine following CT from Klonopin and Paxil.  

2012                       Unsuccessful taper of mirtazapine; reinstated.     

7/2013 - 1/2014   Successfully tapered mirtazapine from 7.5 mg to 0.00.

 

Sertraline (Zoloft) Taper  Aug 4, 2017 - July 18, 2021 - Current dose 0.00

Alprazolam (Xanax)  July 19, 2017 - Nov 15, 2021 0.25 mg.

Began 10% taper  Nov 16, 2021 - 0.25  Jan 11, 2022 - 0.203;  Jan 13, 2023 - 0.0499;  Jan 21, 2024 - 0.0137;  Mar 17, 2024 - 0.0099;  Taper is 96% complete.

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On 2/29/2020 at 12:08 PM, RachelSusan said:

I just did another taper today

You are an inspiration to me, @RachelSusan.  All of your hard work & determination are paying off.  I’m hoping to be where you are with my zoloft taper someday.  
Cathy

1999-2006 Luvox, xanax

2007-2009 Prozac, xanax, klonopin

2009-2018 Zoloft, xanax, klonopin

2019 January zoloft 150mg, February 100mg, April 75mg, mid-May 50mg, July 25mg, (xanax .5mg or .25mg as needed)

August zoloft 25mg HOLD, CT xanax, reinstate 50mg zoloft, September reinstate 100mg zoloft w/.375 klonopin, mid-September lower to 75mg zoloft

2020 January:  .125mg klonopin 

February 1st: .112mg klonopin

February 24th:  60.3mgai zoloft

 

2020 December 1st:  off klonopin completely

currently on 15mgai zoloft 

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  • Mentor

Cathy,

You will be where I am.  In 2016 I read the posts from people that were recovering, while I was in h*ll at that time.  Oh my gosh, I was so envious of them. I never thought I would get here.  But I did.  And you will.  I know you are really suffering, but you will improve. You life will get better. Hang in there.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Mentor

@Frogie

 

Hi Frogie,

I feel like we have come such a long way together.  It sort of seems like we were part of the freshman class and now you have graduated and I am close behind you. It's been so helpful doing this with you.  Thank you for being my withdrawal buddy.

xo

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Mentor

@Terry

 

Wow Terry, you are so low on the Sertraline.  And yes it does feel wonderful to see the numbers get lower. I never thought I would get here, but I did.  I just said to Cathy4 in another post how I used to envy the people that weren't in withdrawal h*ll any more.

 

I too have another drug to get off of, Gabapentin.  Yes the doctor put me on that to try and stop the symptoms of Sertraline withdrawal, rather than dealing the the withdrawal. Talk about chasing one's tail.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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